Nokia Mural announced for AT&T

It’s not quite as intriguing as any of the devices featured at Nokia World this morning, but Nokia and AT&T have just announced a new entry level S40 flip phone dubbed the Nokia Mural. Bearing a striking resemblance to Motorola W series phones of old, the Mural is a clam shell feature phone that would make 2002 proud. Spec highlights include 3G with HSDPA connectivity, integrated IM and email, dedicated external music buttons, a 2.2-inch QVGA internal display, a 2 megapixel camera and microSDHC support. It also sports a variety of customizable lighting features sure to prevent it from finding its way into the hands of anyone over 14 years of age. AT&T’s Nokia Mural will hit store shelves this coming Sunday, September 6th, and it will cost $49.99 after mail-in rebate on a 2-year contract.

Do I want one? Not really. Tired looks, somewhere between a Katana and a generic Motorola, typical features, nothing really jumps out. But if the reception is nokia solid, on par with the 6555, then I’ll recommend it to my mother.

(Too bad there isn’t a 3G replacement for the 6126.. That was a funky form factor. Rubberized, slightly ruggedized, and I liked the single-button spring loaded hinge. Ah well, too funky for most, I guess.)

Bruno

“phone that would make 2002 proud” Lol. Great StarTrac competitor. This phone emphasizes the struggles Nokia has with US operators. Compare 300-400$ BBs that have BOGO deals with this, probably 100$ when sold unlocked that will cost 50$ AFTER MIR, which brings the initial total to 100$ – exactly the price of iPhone 3G. Gee, it is really tough choice which one should I buy…

JakeyBoy

you mean, Motorola MRL…

J.P. Michaels

looks almost like a RAZR3 to me

J.P. Michaels

looks almost like a RAZR3.5 to me

HillBill

Come on guys, Nokia made this phone based on AT&T requirements. AT&T must have seen a market for these phones. AT&T is specifically lookibg for good entry level 3G/HSPA phones with great RF performance. Not everybody needs a BB Bold even if it comes free.

bluehorseshoe

Seriously…Nokia needs to get with the friggin’ program. Release the f’ing E52 and E55 in the States please.

Bruno

@bluehorseshoe Nobody will buy them at 300$+ when a BB/Samsung/LG is available free after signing the contract.

DukeL

Krzr K1 Knockoff

just me

Not a flashy phone but im sure it works and it does what is spouse to do, make calls. Not every one needs a full qwerty, an internet browser or bluetooth for that matter…..at least my grandparents dont, and they hate the free BB that they got when they sing there 2 year agreement…Im sure they would love this simple phone.

Chris

I get asked every single day by customers for a basic flip phone. Sure 8 out of 10 customers buy an iphone these days, but there are a few out there who want a basic phone. We don’t carry 2g handsets in the retail store anymore, so the nokia 6650 is the only non-mil spec flip phone we carry.

Not to mention unless you carry 20 bucks in features on your account the phone costs over a hundred bucks because you won’t qualify for a mail in rebate. If you can even convince the customer to pay that much for the phone it’s hard as hell to use. Super counter intuitive, a million ways to accidentally click something you didn’t mean to.

There is a market for a phone like this but only if it’s free or near free outright and only if it’s super user friendly (which nokias we carry are not).

SK

I agree with Chris

My parents do not need a feature rich phone but one that is pleasing to the eye and has great reception/battery life.
My parents still love the RAZR’s so this phone should fall right in line with what attracts them.

TNREP

Well the dummy phone has been fun to play with over the past week or so. The colors on the dummy change every time you open or close it.

http://www.wolfmother.net Peter

I failed in posting this comment on the Nokia Shade article, but I’ll just paste it here instead.

– Have any of you heard of the N76? Came out years ago, was never successful. This is just a revamped, slightly rounded version of that. Which might not be a bad move for Nokia in the US …

Victor

I don’t get it, all publishers said $49.99 after rebate on 2 year contract, it’s $149.99, and $50 rebate (which mentions some data plan requirement). So it’s $100, double. Did the sources mislead you? Where’d the $50 come from?

Some customers still like basic phones so for what it does its perfect for your grandma and grandpa who just need to dial and answer.

Rick

I WISH I COULD FIND AN AFFORDABLE PHONE WITH ALL THE FEATURES OF THE NOKIA 6126. IT IS MY FAVORITE PHONE AND I CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING THAT COMPARES.

Kirsten

This an awesome great little phone. Good move on Nokia’s part. As everyone else has mentioned. This is a great idea for those out there who just want a simple phone that makes calls. The people who don’t even want to text and hate texting. Attractive phone, very sleek design and good size. good size buttons too. Sure it looks like a Katana Lx but that phone also was attractive to the same group of customers. The most high tech part some of them want is just a camera. Very nice phone and VERY happy Att and nokia have this new phone. My customers will love it!!!

Charlie V

I went to AT&T looking for a basic flip phone recently and this was the only real choice. I use an iPhone ad a Bold, but sometimes you just want to talk on a fanged phone. The tundra is a bit too bulky and the rugby is a. Samsung. Considering the complexity of most phones, and the cost of the plans, I think there I definitely a market for more basic phones with good battery life and reception.

Karen

I hear all the comments about it being way too simple of a phone, but you know what there are people like me that thats all I want and need in a flip phone, I had a razor, I loved it but it fell into water and has never worked right and would have loved another, but not available, so I fell in love with this model, so there is a market for them. For us not so high tech individuals.

Erik

My wife has had a few razrs… she needed a new phone. She is not a TXT sender (just a receiver).. .she needs large buttons… its slim, has pretty color lights.. she is pleased with it.

I got it for $79 with 2 year plan… it should have been free… but still a good phone.

Keri

Went in to ATT, said I don’t text, don’t browse, just need to make calls and my phone is shot. I want good battery life and need good reception because I live in a remote area. They showed me this phone and an ericsson. Liked the look of the Nokia, agree it looks similar to a RZR. Not sure why everyone wants to be “impressed” and “dazzled”. I want something to use, nothing extra, and this phone fits the bill. Pd $108 (total) before the $50 MIR.

Daniel Kamm

This phone is now free for a two year renewal, but out of stock. So there…